Dive into the vibrant world of open-source innovation—where freedom meets functionality, and every update could reshape how you interact with technology! But here's where it gets controversial: Big Tech giants like YouTube are increasingly policing content, sparking debates on censorship versus safety. Ready to explore? Let's jump into this week's FOSS Weekly highlights, packed with the latest scoops, clever tips, and a dash of fun to keep you engaged.
FOSS Weekly #25.46 kicks off with some exciting updates on sudo-rs challenges, Kaspersky's Linux debut, Flathub's quirky issues, homelab essentials, and a treasure trove of other Linux goodies.
First up, the big news: It's FOSS News (news.itsfoss.com) has officially merged into the main site. No more juggling two portals—everything's now streamlined under https://itsfoss.com/news/. As a result, logging in once grants you all your membership perks, especially if you're a Plus member (https://itsfoss.com/membership/). This change should make things a whole lot simpler, like having one key for all your digital doors!
Now, let's unpack what's fresh in this edition:
- The unveiling of the new ODF 1.4 document standard, which enhances open document formats for better compatibility and features.
- An open-source alternative to Help Scout, perfect for managing customer support without the hassle of vendor lock-ins.
- YouTube's crackdown on tech creators sharing Windows 11 bypass tips, raising eyebrows about platform moderation.
- Solutions for pesky thumbnail problems in Fedora 43, ensuring your images pop up as they should.
- Ubuntu's ongoing Rust transition stumbling over another obstacle, highlighting the challenges of modernizing software.
- Plus, a mix of other Linux updates, handy advice, and, of course, those hilarious memes!
- This issue is powered by Internxt (https://internxt.sjv.io/e1m6B1?ref=itsfoss.com), a sponsor we're grateful for.
Speaking of Internxt, in today's data-driven world, secure cloud storage isn't just nice—it's essential. Especially with encryption front and center. They're offering a lifetime deal of 1 TB of encrypted space for one payment. Slot it into your 3-2-1 backup plan (that's keeping three copies on two different types of media, with one offsite) and use it for safely archiving files. That's exactly how I handle my data—peace of mind in the cloud!
Secure your Internxt Lifetime Cloud Storage now (https://internxt.sjv.io/e1m6B1?ref=itsfoss.com)
📰 Diving into Linux and Open-Source Headlines
- Ubuntu is grappling with another Rust-related snag (https://itsfoss.com/news/sudo-rs-issue-ubuntu/), showing the bumps in adopting new programming paradigms.
- ODF 1.4 (https://itsfoss.com/news/odf-1-4-release/) arrives as the latest step forward for open document standards, promoting interoperability across applications.
- A fresh initiative lets you run classic Direct3D 7 games on Linux (https://itsfoss.com/news/play-d3d7-games-on-linux/), bridging the gap for retro gaming enthusiasts.
- YouTube axed some tutorials on circumventing Windows 11's online account requirements, backed by outlandish safety claims (https://itsfoss.com/news/youtube-removes-windows-11-bypass-tutorials/).
- Kaspersky's antivirus is now tailored for Linux users (https://itsfoss.com/news/kaspersky-for-linux/), though I personally steer clear of such tools on this platform.
And this is the part most people miss: Big Tech being true to form. A content creator reported that YouTube yanked his clips on evading Windows 11's enforced online sign-ins.
YouTube Goes Wild, Yanking Windows 11 Bypass Guides, Citing 'Physical Danger' Risks
When will these tech behemoths wise up?
By FOSS Sourav Rudra
(https://itsfoss.com/news/youtube-removes-windows-11-bypass-tutorials/)
🧠 Pondering Current Trends
What if GNOME Office made a comeback? Roland lays out compelling arguments (https://itsfoss.com/gnome-office-revival/):
Time to Resurrect GNOME Office (Nostalgia Alert!)
GNOME 2 era folks from the 2000s might recall the long-dormant GNOME Office suite. Perhaps it's ripe for a revival.
By FOSS Roland Taylor
(https://itsfoss.com/gnome-office-revival/)
On a lighter note, I stumbled upon Flathub's unexpected Google rankings for adult keywords (https://itsfoss.com/news/flathub-tag-exploited/).
Shocking! Flathub Pops Up in Google Searches for Adult Site Downloads
And nope, it's not Google's glitch this time.
By FOSS Abhishek Prakash
(https://itsfoss.com/news/flathub-tag-exploited/)
🧮 Practical Linux Guides, Tips, and Insights
Tackle that frustrating bug where GNOME Files skips image thumbnails (https://itsfoss.com/image-thumbnails-missing-gnome/) on Fedora—easy fixes await.
Resolving Missing Image Thumbnails in GNOME Files on Fedora Linux
A small hiccup, but it could tarnish Fedora's reputation—literally, since we're talking visuals!
By FOSS Abhishek Prakash
(https://itsfoss.com/image-thumbnails-missing-gnome/)
Theena shares strategies for boosting your digital privacy (https://itsfoss.com/privacy-wins-linux/), including ditching mainstream email for secure options like Proton (https://itsfoss.com/secure-private-email-services/).
If command-line basics are new territory, our beginner-friendly series (https://itsfoss.com/tag/terminal-basics/) has you covered.
Beginner-Friendly Linux Command Tutorials
New to Linux terminals? Fear not—this series breaks it down step by step for novices.
By It's FOSS
(https://itsfoss.com/tag/terminal-basics/)
👷 Exploring AI, Homelabs, and Gear
Owning digital content feels like a mirage (https://itsfoss.com/news/digital-content-ownership-illusion/), unless you manage it yourself. Kick off with our self-hosting essentials (https://itsfoss.com/self-hosting-starting-projects/) for a solid foundation.
Homelab Starter Kit: 5 Easy Tools to Launch Your Self-Hosting Journey
Self-hosting isn't complex—if I mastered it, you can too!
By FOSS Theena Kumaragurunathan
(https://itsfoss.com/self-hosting-starting-projects/)
🛍️ Curated Linux eBook Collection
This handpicked bundle (https://humblebundleinc.sjv.io/LK9Q5V?ref=itsfoss.com) (affiliate link) features guides like Supercomputers for Linux Admins, CompTIA Linux+ Prep, Using and Administering Linux Volumes 1-2, and extras. Plus, it backs Room to Read's literacy efforts!
✨ Spotlight on Innovative Projects
Don't judge Calcurse (https://itsfoss.com/calcurse/) by its name—it's a robust calendar tool for all your scheduling needs, like a trusty sidekick.
Master Your Schedule with Calcurse: The Sleek Linux Calendar App
Organize efficiently in the terminal using this timeless CLI gem.
By FOSS Roland Taylor
(https://itsfoss.com/calcurse/)
Fed up with Help Scout's erratic pricing? Switch to something user-focused (https://itsfoss.com/freescout-open-source-help-desk/).
Done with Help Scout's Price Tag Shenanigans? Embrace This Free, Open-Source Help Desk
Run your support system independently, free from vendor traps or sudden fees.
By FOSS Sourav Rudra
(https://itsfoss.com/freescout-open-source-help-desk/)
📽️ Fresh Videos for Your Viewing Pleasure
My newest clip dives into Kitty terminal tweaks (https://youtu.be/MCeGpNZCj88?ref=itsfoss.com).
Linux reigns as the top OS globally—especially on servers—but desktops often get overlooked. That's why It's FOSS is dedicated to crafting free tutorials and guides for everyday PC use. No VC backing here; it's all thanks to supporters like you. We're an indie, community-driven outlet delivering timely Linux news, deep dives, and how-tos.
If our mission resonates, pitch in with a Plus membership—only $3/month or $99 for life.
Become an It's FOSS Plus Member (https://itsfoss.com/membership/)
💡 Handy Hack of the Week
In Konsole (https://itsfoss.com/konsole-terminal-tweaks/), leverage the right-click menu to launch folders in specific apps. Inside a directory, right-click, pick 'Open Folder With,' and choose from the list. For example, select Dolphin (https://itsfoss.com/dolphin-tweaks/) to open in the file manager, or Kate (https://itsfoss.com/news/kate-editor/) for the editor.
Activate 'Underline Files' in Configure Konsole → Profiles → Edit Profile → Mouse → Miscellaneous for even more power—right-click files to open them in GUI tools directly from the terminal.
🎋 Fun Bits in the FOSS World
Test your knowledge with this Linux distro logo challenge (https://itsfoss.com/quiz/guess-distro-logo/).
Identify the Distro by Its Logo
See a logo and four options—pick the match. Simple as pie!
By FOSS Abhishek Prakash
(https://itsfoss.com/quiz/guess-distro-logo/)
🤣 Meme of the Week: Words like these can sting the soul, right? 😵
🗓️ Tech Throwback: November 9, 2004, saw the launch of Mozilla Firefox 1.0 (https://website-archive.mozilla.org/www.mozilla.org/firefox_releasenotes/en-us/firefox/releases/1.0?ref=itsfoss.com), ushering in speedier, securer browsing with tabs and popup blockers—a bold challenge to Internet Explorer's throne.
🧑🤝🧑 Community Buzz: An antiX Linux creator has dropped the beta for antiX 25 (https://itsfoss.community/t/antix-25-beta-1-available-for-public-testing/15013?ref=itsfoss.com)—ready for testing!
antiX 25 Beta 1 Up for Public Trials
antiX-25-full-beta1 out for testing on November 5, 2025, by anticapitalista. Quick highlights: Built on Debian 13 'Trixie,' with four modern, systemd-free init systems—runit (default), s6-rc, s6-66, and dinit. New aesthetic, antiX flair, and the ability to boot live with non-default inits that persist post-install. Note: More user input might be needed than before...
By It's FOSS Community ProwlerGr
(https://itsfoss.community/t/antix-25-beta-1-available-for-public-testing/15013?ref=itsfoss.com)
❤️ With Gratitude
Spread the word to fellow Linux lovers and nudge them to sign up (check here: https://itsfoss.com/newsletter/).
Post in Linux subreddits and forums.
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Go for It's FOSS Plus (https://itsfoss.com/membership/) to back us 🙏
Enjoy FOSS 😄
About the Author
Abhishek Prakash (https://itsfoss.com/author/abhishek/)
Founded It's FOSS 13 years back to chronicle my Linux escapades. Holds a Master's in Engineering with extensive IT chops. Avid fan of Agatha Christie's whodunits 🕵️♂️
What do you think? Should GNOME Office return, or is it best left in the past? And is YouTube's content removal fair, or just overreach? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have a fresh take!
